China Eastern Airlines has requested government approval to lease 10 Boeing 737-700s as it awaits a ruling on its purchase of Bombardier CRJs.
The Shanghai-based carrier has filed the 737 request with the State Development Planning Commission. Although it will not confirm which lessor is the most likely supplier, supervisor of investor relations Daniel Song says: "We will probably choose GE Capital Aviation Services because we have a very good relationship with them."
The carrier says that, if approved, 737-700s will be used on domestic and short-haul international routes, although some may be operated by Great Wall Airlines, which China Eastern expects to acquire by the middle of this year.
China Eastern has seven 737-300s in service with its Shanxi province branch carrier, and flies 17 Airbus A320s and four A319s.
Meanwhile, China Eastern is hoping to soon win approval to order 50- and 70-seat CRJs. It filed a request for government approval to order up to 30 earlier this year in a deal that could cover firm orders for 15 CRJ200s and five CRJ700s, plus options for five of each type.
Song says the carrier will probably start with a firm order for 10 regional jets for delivery from late this year or early next year.
Source: Flight International
